In a race against time, a top White House official is calling on Republicans to compromise on border security measures that Democrats will support, as Congress grapples with passing emergency funding for Ukraine. Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasized the need for both parties to come together and reach a deal that can garner bipartisan agreement.

During an appearance on "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Young expressed her concerns about negotiations that fail due to one side pushing for too much. She stressed that Democrats and Republicans must come together and vote for the bill. Time is of the essence, as Young warned that the U.S. will run out of funding to assist Ukraine by the end of the year, which would have severe implications for Ukraine's ability to combat Russia on the battlefield.

The main stumbling block for passing additional aid for Ukraine lies in Republicans' insistence on enacting stricter U.S.-Mexico border security measures. Last week, the Senate failed to advance a bill that included aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other priorities due to Republican objections over the lack of border security measures. The escalating number of illegal crossings at the border in recent years has fueled Republicans' concerns.

Young emphasized that this situation is a policy decision that Congress needs to address. She raised the question of whether the U.S. should risk its own national security readiness or ensure that it can protect its allies like Ukraine. Young urged Congress to follow the bipartisan approach it has taken in the past and fund national security while standing by its allies.

President Biden has shown flexibility on the border issue, indicating he is "willing to do significantly more" to address border security concerns. However, Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma argued that the Biden administration is not taking enough action to stop the increase in illegal border crossings. Lankford called for changes to asylum policy and the management of border capacity.

There is also uncertainty about whether a bill that can pass the Democratic-controlled Senate would garner enough support in the Republican-held House. Lankford acknowledged that a Republican-backed immigration bill that passed the House earlier this year with no Democratic support would face difficulties in the Senate. However, he emphasized the need for action rather than inaction.

Lankford made it clear that Ukraine aid cannot be passed separately from border funding. He stated that dealing with other nations' national security concerns while ignoring American national security is not an option. Lankford called for a decision to be made and for necessary actions to be taken to control the border effectively.

As the clock ticks, it remains to be seen whether Democrats and Republicans can find common ground on border security measures and secure the emergency funding needed for Ukraine. Finding a balanced solution that addresses both national security concerns and supports U.S. allies is crucial in these critical times.